Irrigation system and clip for a surgical instrument

ABSTRACT

An irrigation system for a surgical instrument includes an irrigation tube arranged to convey an irrigation fluid and an irrigation clip structurally arranged to receive a portion of the irrigation tube. The irrigation clip includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, a body portion, and an arm portion. The arm portion is structurally configured to selectively attach the irrigation clip to the surgical instrument and to bias the irrigation clip toward the surgical instrument with a biasing force. The irrigation clip includes a tube locking portion structurally arranged to cooperate with the surgical instrument to engage the outer surface portion of the irrigation tube to inhibit rotation and axial displacement of the irrigation tube relative to the irrigation clip in response to the biasing force.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/968,069 filed on Dec. 14, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/242,106 filed on Sep. 23, 2011, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,211,373 issued on Dec. 15, 2015. The entire disclosures ofthe above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure is directed to a surgical system and a system and methodfor attaching an irrigation system to a surgical instrument to directirrigating fluid to a surgical site.

BACKGROUND

Many surgical procedures, such as those using cutting elements, generateheat at the surgical site due to friction at the cutting element andbone interface. Irrigation fluids may be introduced to the surgical siteto cool the tissue being treated or to cleanse or wash tissue or debrisfrom the surgical area. Some surgical instruments that may be used inthese procedures do not have built in irrigation capability.Accordingly, when surgeries requiring irrigation are performed usingthese instruments, a separate irrigation hose is used and held at theirrigation site. In some instances, the surgeon will hold the surgicalinstrument with one hand, while holding the irrigation hose with theother hand. Preferably, the surgeon holds the instrument while anassistant holds the irrigation hose. Accordingly, in these instances,the surgeon must hold two instruments or must use an assistant,increasing the complexity of the procedure. In addition, during theseprocedures, the surgeon may adjust the instrument to best perform theprocedure, and the instrument may move in and out of the irrigationstream, potentially resulting in momentary hot-spots and creatingvariation and inconsistency in cooling.

Since even moderate fluctuations in temperatures can introduce necrosis,surgeons try to direct the irrigation fluid directly at the locationthat will be most effective in cooling the instrument and the tissue.Some surgical instruments are designed to accept different cutting toolsparticularly designed for particular applications. Depending on theapplication, the stage of the surgery, and the particular cutting tool,the surgeon's desired irrigation location may be different relative tothe surgical instrument body during the procedure, making even fixedirrigation systems unsuitable when used with incompatible instruments.

The present disclosure is directed to a system that attaches anirrigation tube to a surgical instrument, and that is easily adjustableto modify or redirect the flow of fluid during a surgical procedure. Thesystems and methods disclosed herein address one or more of thelimitations in the prior art.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to anirrigation system for a surgical instrument. The system includes anirrigation tube arranged to convey an irrigation fluid. The irrigationtube has an outer surface portion. The system also includes anirrigation clip structurally arranged to receive a portion of theirrigation tube. The irrigation clip includes a proximal portion, adistal portion, a body portion, and an arm portion. The arm portion isstructurally configured to selectively attach the irrigation clip to thesurgical instrument and to bias the irrigation clip toward the surgicalinstrument with a biasing force. The irrigation clip includes a tubelocking portion structurally arranged to cooperate with the surgicalinstrument to engage the outer surface portion of the irrigation tube toinhibit rotation and axial displacement of the irrigation tube relativeto the irrigation clip in response to the biasing force.

In one aspect, the tube locking portion comprises a tube-receiving slotformed in the body portion and disposed to face the surgical instrumentwhen the irrigation clip is attached to the surgical instrument. Theportion of the irrigation tube being disposed within the slot.

In one aspect, a projecting locking feature is disposed in the tubereceiving slot. The irrigation tube is disposed within the tubereceiving slot so that when the irrigation clip is attached to thesurgical instrument, a portion of the outer surface of the irrigationtube presses against the surgical instrument to selectively clamp theirrigation tube between the surgical instrument and the projectinglocking feature.

In one aspect, the tube locking portion comprises a locking tabdisplaceable relative to the body portion in response to the biasingforce. The locking tab is arranged to engage and inhibit rotation andaxial displacement of the surgical tube relative to the irrigation clipin response to the biasing force.

In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to anirrigation system for connection to a surgical instrument. Theirrigation system includes a body having a distal portion and a proximalportion. The proximal portion is configured to receive irrigationtubing. The body includes an outer side and an inner side, with theinner side configured to face the surgical instrument when the body isconnected to the surgical instrument. The inner side includes an openingtherein forming a tube receiving slot configured to receive theirrigation tubing. The system includes means in the slot for engagingirrigation tubing within the slot and inhibiting rotation and axialdisplacement of irrigation tubing. A first set of arms extends from thebody. The arms are flexible and spaced apart to elastically flex whenbeing applied around the surgical instrument and to snap onto thesurgical instrument to bias the irrigation clip toward the surgicalinstrument with a biasing force.

In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to amethod of directing irrigating fluid with an irrigation system and asurgical instrument. The method includes rationally and axiallyadjusting an irrigation tube disposed within an irrigation clip to adesired location, and clamping the irrigation tube between a portion ofthe irrigation clip and the surgical instrument to inhibit furtherrotational and axial displacement of the irrigation tube relative to theirrigation clip by snapping the irrigation clip onto the surgicalinstrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantagesthereof may be acquired by referring to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary surgical system including asurgical instrument and an irrigation system in accordance with oneaspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the exemplary irrigation system of FIG. 1in accordance with one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the exemplaryirrigation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one aspect of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary irrigation clip of theirrigation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one aspect of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary cross-sectional view of theexemplary surgical system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one aspect ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of another exemplary surgical system includinga surgical instrument and an irrigation system in accordance with oneaspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the exemplary irrigation system of FIG. 6in accordance with one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary partially exploded view of theirrigation system of FIG. 6 in accordance with one aspect of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary cross-sectional view of theirrigation system of FIG. 7 in accordance with one aspect of thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure is directed to a surgical system usable insurgical procedures that provides increased irrigation capability andconvenience. It provides cooling irrigation fluid to a surgical siteduring surgical treatments. The surgical system includes a surgicalinstrument and a removable irrigation system on the surgical instrumentthat is designed to easily attach to the surgical instrument forstability and consistency in irrigation cooling, yet can be easilyadjusted by the surgeon to direct the irrigation fluid as desired.

FIG. 1 depicts a surgical system 100 in accordance with one exemplaryaspect including a surgical instrument 102 and an irrigation system 104.In this example, the surgical instrument 102 is a sagittal surgical sawthat may be used to cut bone during surgical procedures. However, inother examples, the surgical instrument 102 is type of surgicalinstrument other than a saw that may be used in procedures whereirrigation is desirable. The surgical instrument 102 has a cylindricalbody portion 106 that carries the irrigation system 104. In oneembodiment, the cylindrical body portion 106 may correspond with ahandle or gripping portion of the surgical instrument 102. In thisexample, the surgical instrument 102 may be configured to attach to asurgical console (not shown) via a plug 108 extending from a proximalend. In this example, the surgical instrument is free of hand-controlcomponents and may be operated by a foot pedal or other controlconnected to or forming a part of a surgical console.

The irrigation system 104 includes a flexible irrigation tube 110, anirrigation tip 112, and an irrigation clip 114. The irrigation system104 is selectively attachable to the surgical instrument 102 to affixthe irrigation tip 112 relative to the instrument. This enables asurgeon to control the direction of the fluid flow during irrigationprocesses. In addition, with the irrigation system 104 connected to thesurgical instrument 102, the surgeon may hold both the instrument andthe irrigation system using the same hand. The components of theirrigation system 104 are shown and described in greater detail in theparagraphs below.

FIG. 2 shows the irrigation system 104 in full view and FIG. 3 shows theirrigation system in cross-section. As can be seen, the irrigation tube110 extends from the irrigation clip 114. The irrigation tube 110 is astandard, flexible surgical irrigation tube that extends from a fluidsource at a proximal end (not shown) to a distal end 116 at theirrigation clip 114. It includes an inner diameter, an outer diameter,and an outer surface. In one example, the irrigation 110 tube has alength greater than, for example, ten feet, and can extend from thefluid source to the surgical instrument 102 at a surgical site.

The irrigation tip 112 is connected to and extends from the distal end116 of the irrigation tube 110. Its narrow inner diameter provides thesurgeon with more directed control of the irrigation fluid as it flowsonto the instrument blade and the surgical site. The irrigation tip 112includes a proximal end 118 and a distal end 120. The proximal end 118may be attached to the distal end 116 of the irrigation tube 110 usingany known method or system. For example, the irrigation tip 112 is shownhere as extending at least partially into the lumen formed by the innerdiameter of the irrigation tube 110. In one embodiment, the irrigationtip 112 is attached to the irrigation tube 110 using an adhesive. Inanother embodiment, the irrigation tip 112 is formed as an integral partor a monolith part of the tube 110 itself.

In the example shown, the irrigation tip 112 is formed of a metalmaterial and is annealed at a distal portion 122 adjacent the distal end120 so that it is malleable and can be bent at a desired angle to directthe fluid flow. In this example, only the distal portion 122 of theirrigation tip 112 is so annealed, such that the remainder of the tip112, including the proximal end 118, is more rigid. This providesadditional sturdy support for the distal region of the tip 112. In use,the irrigation tip 112 extends from a distal tip of the irrigation clip114, and it may telescope relative to the clip 114, along with theirrigation tube 110, to enable the health care provider to preciselyposition it for irrigation.

FIGS. 2-4 all illustrate the irrigation clip 114. The irrigation clip114 is arranged to clip onto the exterior surface of the surgicalinstrument 102, such as the cylindrical body portion 106 of the surgicalsaw shown in FIG. 1 . As can be seen, the irrigation clip 114 includes abody 130 and proximal and distal sets of arms 132, 134 extending fromthe body 130. The body 130 has a distal portion 136 and a proximalportion 138, with the distal set of arms 134 being disposed toward thedistal portion 136 and the proximal set of arms 132 being disposedtoward the proximal portion 138. The sets of arms elastically deflect orresiliently flex to snap the clip 114 onto the surgical instrument 102.A projecting neck 140 is disposed distal of the distal set of arms 134.The neck 140 is a rigid element that cooperates with and stabilizes thedistal region of the irrigation tip 112.

As can be seen, the body 130 includes a passage 142 extending entirelytherethrough with a proximal opening 144 at a proximal end 146 and witha distal opening 148 at a distal end 150. This may be best seen in thecross-sectional view in FIG. 3 . Here, the passage 142 is formed betweena series of spaced, alternatingly offset upper and lower passage walls.The proximal opening 144 is sized to receive the distal end 116 of theirrigation tube 110 therethrough, and the distal opening 148 is sized toreceive the irrigation tip 112 therethrough. The proximal opening inthis case is a C-shaped opening (FIG. 4 ) sized to permit the irrigationtube 110 to be inserted laterally therethrough by deformation underforce, but by extending more than half the circumference around theirrigation tube 110, to mechanically restrict inadvertent removal. Thedistal opening 148 is formed by the offset upper and lower passagewalls.

As shown in the cross-sectional view, the passage 142 extends from theproximal end 146 to the distal end 150. The passage 142 has a distalportion 152 with a relatively smaller width or diameter and a proximalportion 154 with a relatively larger width or diameter. In use, thedistal portion 152 is sized to provide a relatively stable fit with theirrigation tip 112, while still permitting axial movement in both theproximal and distal directions. This permits a surgeon to adjust theirrigation tip 112 telescopically relative to the clip 114. When theirrigation tip 112 is fixed to the irrigation tube 110, the irrigationtube 110 likewise axially displaces relative to the clip 114. Theproximal portion 154 is sized large enough to receive an end of theirrigation tube 110. In this embodiment, it is shown with asubstantially square cross-section, however, other shapes arecontemplated. A shoulder 156 separates the distal and proximal portions152, 154 of the passage 142, and limits the axial movement of theirrigation tube 110 in the distal direction.

The body 130 includes an outer facing surface 160 and an opposing innerfacing surface 162. The inner facing surface 162 is disposed to face thesurgical instrument 102 when the irrigation clip 114 is attached thesurgical instrument 102. An opening 164 in the inner facing surface 162communicates with the proximal portion 154 of the passage 142 andpermits access or communication with the irrigation tube 110 when theirrigation tube 110 is in the clip 114. This opening 164, combined withthe passage 142, forms a tube locking portion arranged to cooperativelysecure the irrigation tube 110 in place while limiting rotationalmovement of the clip 114 and tube 110. The tube locking portion includesa tube locking slot 170 formed by the opening 164 and the passageway142. The slot 170 extends axially along a portion of the body 130 and,as discussed further below, cooperatively secures the irrigation tube110 in place while limiting rotational movement of the clip 114 and tube110.

locking feature 172 is disposed within the tube locking slot 170. Inthis example, the locking feature 172 is formed of an axially extendingstructure disposed within a bottom of the tube locking slot 170, facingin the direction of the inner facing surface 162, and is configured toengage a portion of the irrigation tube 110 within the slot 170. In thisexample, the locking feature 172 comprises a series of serrations formedin a line. These serrations form a series of distally angled teeth andare configured to engage the outer surface for the irrigation tube 110to inhibit axial movement of the irrigation tube 110 in the proximaldirection, opposite the angled teeth. In one example, the distance fromthe inner facing surface 162 to the serrations is less than the width orouter diameter of the irrigation tube. As such, the irrigation tube maybe disposed on the serrations, and protrude slightly out of the slot170.

In this embodiment, the serrated locking feature 172 is integral withand molded as a part of the clip 114 itself. It is arranged to impingeupon the flexible irrigation tube and immobilize the irrigation tube 110between the clip body 130 and the surgical instrument 102 when the clip114 is on the surgical instrument 102. Because of the serrated lockingteeth, the locking feature 172 prevents both rotation and axialdisplacement. Accordingly, the flexible irrigation tube 110 is securedin place in the passage 142. The likewise secures the irrigation tip 112in place when the tip 112 is fixed to the tube 110.

The distal set of arms 134 and the proximal set of arms 132 extend fromthe body 130 in oblique directions. Each set of arms 132, 134 has twoarms 180, each having an arm end 182. The sets of arms 132, 134 form aC-shape and have a curvature forming a diameter slightly or smaller thanthe diameter of the surgical instruments. The arms 180 are alsoelastically resilient so that the instrument 102 may be pressed betweenthe arms 180, forcing the arms 180 to separate to receive the instrument102, and then snap onto the instrument 102 as the instrument maximumdiameter passes the arm ends 182. Because of the resilient nature of thearms 180, the arms 180 can tightly grip the instrument 102, securing theclip 114 in place, yet still be easily removed from or displaced alongthe instrument 102. The arms 180 compliant or flexible nature of thearms provide a biasing or pulling force when on the instrument 102 thatpulls the body 130 close to and against the instrument 102. This pullingforce 102 is also the same force used to secure the irrigation tube 110in place in the clip and in place relative to the surgical instrument102.

The irrigation clip 114 may be formed of any number of materials, but ispreferably a resilient material, such as for example, a polymermaterial. In one embodiment, it is a molded element as a singlemonolith. In another embodiment, the irrigation clip 114 is formed witha body and with arms that are separate elements, attached together. Indifferent embodiments, the clip may be machined or molded and may beformed of any material includes polymers and metals.

FIG. 5 shows the surgical system 100 in cross-section with theirrigation system 104 attached to the instrument 102 in a mannersecuring the irrigation tube 110 in place. In use, the distal tip 112and the irrigation tube 110 are introduced through the proximal end ofthe clip 114, and the distal tip 112 is fed through the distal portion152 of the passage 142 and out the distal end 150 of the clip 114. Theirrigation tube 110 is disposed in the proximal portion 154 of thepassage 142, and is in contact with the locking feature 172 on one sideof its outer surface. Its opposing side is adjacent the opening formingthe locking slot 170 in the inner surface 162, and in some embodiments,projects at least slightly outward through the top of the locking slot170. When the clip 114 is snapped onto the surgical instrument 102, theresilient proximal and distal sets of arms 132, 134 cooperate with thecurved surfaces of the surgical instrument to apply a biasing force onthe instrument 102 that pulls the body 130 toward the instrument 102 sothat the irrigation tube 110 at the locking slot 170 comes into contactwith and engages the surgical instrument 102. As such, the irrigationtube 110 is in contact with and compressively clamped between thelocking features 172 on one side and the surgical instrument body 106 onthe opposing side. With the biasing force pulling the body 130 towardthe instrument 102, the locking features 172 frictionally engage andprevent relative movement of the irrigation tube 110. The angle of thelocking features 172 provides additional resistance to proximal movementso that the irrigation tube 110 will not inadvertently pull out from theirrigation clip 114 during standard use. The irrigation clip 114 is heldin place by the frictional resistance of the irrigation tube 110 and thebiasing force of the sets of legs 132, 134. Thus, the irrigation tube110 is secured in place relative to the irrigation clip 114 and theinstrument body 106 both axially and rotationally.

The surgeon may adjust the irrigation system 104 by lifting the proximalportion 136 of the irrigation clip 114 to remove the clamping loading onthe irrigation tube 110. This may be done by simply raising the proximalportion 136 to remove loading on the irrigation tube 110 without fullydisengaging the proximal set of arms 132, or may include fullydisengaging the proximal set of arms 132 from the surgical instrument102. With the loading removed, the irrigation tube 110 may be axiallyadvanced or retracted along the locking features 172, resulting in atelescoping of the irrigation tip 112 relative to the irrigation clip114. The irrigation tube 110 may be rotated as well so that theirrigation tip 112 is aimed as desired. When the surgeon is satisfied,he may push downward on the clip 114 to reengage the proximal arms 132about the instrument 102, thereby reengaging the clamping force on theirrigation tubing 110 between the locking features 172 and the surgicalinstrument 102. Also, at any time, the surgeon may manipulate themalleable distal portion 122 of the irrigation tip 112 to aim theirrigating fluid as desired.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a surgical system, referenced by thenumeral 200. The irrigation system 200 includes many of the samefeatures as the surgical system 100 as discussed above, and for the sakeof simplicity, not all the features will be re-described. It is to beunderstood that any portion of the description of the irrigation system100 may equally apply to the irrigation system 200.

The surgical system 200 includes a surgical instrument 202 and anirrigation system 204. Here, the surgical instrument 202 is shown as areciprocating surgical saw, and in this example, the surgical instrumentincludes hand-control components, including an operating lever 206.

The irrigation system 204 includes a flexible irrigation tube 210, anirrigation tip 212, and an irrigation clip 214. Similar to the clip 114described above, the irrigation clip 214 comprises a body 216 andproximal and distal sets of arms 218, 220, respectively disposed at aproximal and distal portions 222, 224. The body 216 includes a passage226 extending entirely therethrough with a proximal opening 228 at aproximal end 230 and with a distal opening 232 at a distal end 234. Thismay be best seen in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 9 . Here, thepassage 226 is formed between a series of spaced, alternatingly offsetupper and lower passage walls. The proximal opening 228 is sized toreceive a distal end of the irrigation tube 210 therethrough, and thedistal opening 232 is sized to receive the irrigation tip 212therethrough. The distal opening 232 is formed by the offset upper andlower passage walls.

As shown in the cross-sectional view, the passage 226 extends from theproximal end 230 to the distal end 234. The passage 226 has a distalportion 238 with a relatively smaller width or diameter and a proximalportion 240 with a relatively larger width or diameter. Like theembodiment described previously, the distal portion 238 is sized toprovide a relatively stable fit with the irrigation tip 212, while stillpermitting axial movement in both the proximal and distal directions.This permits a surgeon to adjust the irrigation tip 212 telescopicallyrelative to the clip 214. The proximal portion 240 is sized large enoughto receive the irrigation tube 210.

A slide stop 241 is disposed in the distal portion 238 of the passage226. The slide stop 241 is fixed to the irrigation tip 212 and isconfigured to axially slide with the irrigation tip 212. Here, the slidestop is disposed between two spaced walls that limit the axial travel ofthe irrigation tip 212 to a telescopic range between about 0.25 and 4inches in one embodiment, and between about 0.5 and 4 inches in anotherembodiment. Other ranges, both higher and lower, are contemplated.

The body 216 includes an inner facing surface 244 disposed to face thesurgical instrument 202 when the irrigation clip 214 is attachedthereto. An opening 246 to a tube locking slot 248 in the inner facingsurface 244 communicates with the proximal portion 240 of the passage226 and permits access or communication with the irrigation tube 210when the irrigation tube 210 is in the clip 214. This opening 246,combined with the passage 226, forms a tube locking portion arranged tocooperatively secure the irrigation tube 210 in place while limitingrotational movement of the clip 214 and tube 210.

In this embodiment, the tube locking portion includes the tube lockingslot 248 and a locking tab 250. The tube locking slot 248 extends intothe body 216 from the opening 246, forms all or a part of the proximalportion of the passage 240, and in this example, includes lateral orside openings 252 that cooperate with the locking tab 250 to preventinadvertent removal.

The locking tab 250, in this example, fits partially or fully into theopening 246 and is configured to clamp the irrigation tube 210 againstthe bottom of the slot 248 to prevent rotational or axial movement ofthe tube 210 relative to the clip 214. The locking tab 250 includes alocking surface 254 and an opposing instrument engaging surface 256.Stops 258 extend from lateral sides of the locking tab 250 and areconfigured to extend into the side openings 252 of the tube locking slot248. These stops 258 and openings 252 secure the locking tab 250 withinthe slot 248 and prevent the locking tab 250 from inadvertentlydisplacing or falling out of the slot 248. However, the stops 258 andopenings 252 are sized to allow a level of displacement of the lockingtab 250 sufficient to remove loading enough to enable adjustment of theirrigation tube 210 within the passage, and sufficient to load byclamping the irrigation tube 210 within the slot 248 to inhibit orprevent rotational or axial displacement under normal operational loadsthat may be applied to the irrigation tubing during use. Thus, thelocking tab 250 may be configured to cooperate with the slot 248 to movelaterally to engage the irrigation tube in the slot with adjustablelevels of force. The locking tab 250 is sized to protrude at leastpartially out of the opening 246 to engage the surgical instrument 202when the clip 214 is connected to the surgical instrument 202.

The locking surface 254 of the locking tab 250, in this embodiment,includes a locking feature 260. Here, the locking feature 260 includesserrations or teeth projecting directly transverse to or substantiallynormal to the irrigation tube 110. However, as is apparent, otherembodiments include angled projections, as described above withreference to the locking feature 172 described above. The lockingfeature 260 is configured to engage the outer surface for the irrigationtube 110 to inhibit axial and rotational movement of the irrigation tube110 to secure the irrigation tube in the passage 226.

Like the sets of arms described above, the proximal set of arms 218 andthe distal set of arms 220 extend from the body 216 and form a C-shape.They are also elastically resilient so that the instrument 202 may bepressed between the arms, forcing them to separate to receive theinstrument 202 and then snap the clip 214 onto the instrument 202, bothholding the clip 214 in place and providing a biasing or pulling forcethat pulls the body 216 close to and against the instrument 202. Thispulling force presses the locking tab 250 against the surgicalinstrument 202, forcing it further into the slot 248 and against theirrigation tube 210, clamping the irrigation tube 210 against thelocking feature 260 and the bottom of the slot 248.

The disclosure of a method of use and adjusting the tube 210 is the sameas described above, recognizing that the locking tab 250 is disposedbetween the irrigation tube 210 and the surgical instrument. When theloading is removed, the locking tab 250 displaces, loosening theclamping effect, permitting easier rotation and axial movement of theirrigation tube 210.

It is evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosedabove may be altered or modified and all such variations are consideredwithin the scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of directing irrigating fluid with anirrigation system and a surgical instrument, comprising: rotationallyand axially adjusting an irrigation tube disposed within an irrigationclip to a desired location; and clamping the irrigation tube between aportion of the irrigation clip and the surgical instrument to inhibitfurther rotational and axial displacement of the irrigation tuberelative to the irrigation clip by snapping the irrigation clip onto thesurgical instrument, wherein clamping the irrigation tube includesapplying a load to a locking tab between the surgical instrument and theirrigation tube.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingtelescopically adjusting the irrigation tube relative to the irrigationclip.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising telescopicallyadjusting an irrigation tip of the irrigation tube relative to theirrigation clip.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprisingtelescopically adjusting the irrigation tip until a slide stop fixed tothe irrigation tip prevents further telescopic adjustment of theirrigation tip relative to the irrigation clip.
 5. The method of claim1, further comprising engaging a plurality of projecting teeth of anirrigation tube locking portion relative to the irrigation tube toinhibit rotational and axial displacement of the irrigation tuberelative to the irrigation clip.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinengaging the plurality of projecting teeth into the irrigation tubefurther includes trapping the irrigation tube between the plurality ofprojecting teeth and the surgical instrument.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein trapping the irrigation tube between the plurality of projectingteeth and the surgical instrument further includes trapping theirrigation tube between the plurality of projecting teeth on a lockingtab removably coupled to the irrigation clip and the surgicalinstrument.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein clamping the irrigationtube further includes elastically deflecting a pair of arms extendingfrom the irrigation clip to snap the irrigation clip onto the surgicalinstrument.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein flexing the pair of armsfurther includes flexing a first proximal pair of arms and a seconddistal pair of arms onto the surgical instrument.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising: adjusting the irrigation tube by liftingthe proximal pair of arms to remove a clamping load on the irrigationtube; adjusting the irrigation tube; and engaging the proximal pair ofarms to the surgical instrument to clamp the irrigation tube relative tothe surgical instrument.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprisingmanipulating a malleable irrigation tip of the irrigation tube to aimthe irrigating fluid as desired.
 12. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising deforming the irrigation tube to laterally insert theirrigation tube into a proximal opening in the irrigation clip.
 13. Amethod of directing irrigating fluid with an irrigation system and asurgical instrument, comprising: positioning an irrigation clip carryingan irrigation tube relative to the surgical instrument; adjusting aposition of the irrigation tube relative to the surgical instrument; andclamping the irrigation tube between a portion of the irrigation clipand the surgical instrument to inhibit rotational and axial displacementof the irrigation tube relative to the surgical instrument, whereinclamping the irrigation tube further includes engaging a plurality ofprojecting teeth into the irrigation tube upon clamping the irrigationclip to the surgical instrument.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinclamping the irrigation tube further includes flexing a pair ofelastically deflective arms extending from the irrigation clip uponpressing the surgical instrument between the pair of elasticallydeflective arms.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprisingtelescopically adjusting an irrigation tip of the irrigation tuberelative to the irrigation clip.
 16. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising positioning the irrigation tube into a passage in theirrigation clip that is formed between a series of alternating offsetupper and lower passage walls.
 17. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising positioning the irrigation tube in a passage of theirrigation clip and attaching a locking tab in the passage between thesurgical instrument and the irrigation tube.
 18. The method of claim 13,further comprising manipulating a malleable irrigation tip of theirrigation tube to aim the irrigating fluid as desired.
 19. A method ofdirecting irrigating fluid with an irrigation system and a surgicalinstrument, comprising: rotationally and axially adjusting an irrigationtube disposed within an irrigation clip to a desired location; clampingthe irrigation tube between a portion of the irrigation clip and thesurgical instrument to inhibit further rotational and axial displacementof the irrigation tube relative to the irrigation clip by snapping theirrigation clip onto the surgical instrument; and engaging a pluralityof projecting teeth of an irrigation tube locking portion relative tothe irrigation tube to inhibit rotational and axial displacement of theirrigation tube relative to the irrigation clip.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein engaging the plurality of projecting teeth into theirrigation tube further includes trapping the irrigation tube betweenthe plurality of projecting teeth and the surgical instrument.
 21. Themethod of claim 20, wherein trapping the irrigation tube between theplurality of projecting teeth and the surgical instrument furtherincludes trapping the irrigation tube between the plurality ofprojecting teeth on a locking tab removably coupled to the irrigationclip and the surgical instrument.
 22. A method of directing irrigatingfluid with an irrigation system and a surgical instrument, comprising:rotationally and axially adjusting an irrigation tube disposed within anirrigation clip to a desired location; clamping the irrigation tubebetween a portion of the irrigation clip and the surgical instrument toinhibit further rotational and axial displacement of the irrigation tuberelative to the irrigation clip by snapping the irrigation clip onto thesurgical instrument; and deforming the irrigation tube to laterallyinsert the irrigation tube into a proximal opening in the irrigationclip.
 23. A method of directing irrigating fluid with an irrigationsystem and a surgical instrument, comprising: positioning an irrigationclip carrying an irrigation tube relative to the surgical instrument;adjusting a position of the irrigation tube relative to the surgicalinstrument; clamping the irrigation tube between a portion of theirrigation clip and the surgical instrument to inhibit rotational andaxial displacement of the irrigation tube relative to the surgicalinstrument; and positioning the irrigation tube into a passage in theirrigation clip that is formed between a series of alternating offsetupper and lower passage walls.
 24. A method of directing irrigatingfluid with an irrigation system and a surgical instrument, comprising:positioning an irrigation clip carrying an irrigation tube relative tothe surgical instrument; adjusting a position of the irrigation tuberelative to the surgical instrument; clamping the irrigation tubebetween a portion of the irrigation clip and the surgical instrument toinhibit rotational and axial displacement of the irrigation tuberelative to the surgical instrument; and positioning the irrigation tubein a passage of the irrigation clip and attaching a locking tab in thepassage between the surgical instrument and the irrigation tube.